COLUMBUS — The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have partnered with the Federal Highway Administration to bring the first-ever traffic incident management (TIM) training to Ohio’s first responders and public safety partners.

The state’s traffic incident management program, dubbed Ohio QuickClear, includes firefighters, emergency medical services, law enforcement, transportation personnel and towing and recovery services. These first responders are responsible for detecting, responding to and clearing traffic incidents to alleviate or avoid backups and delays, as well as secondary crashes.

According to state officials, QuickClear reduces the duration and impacts of traffic incidents and improves the safety of motorists, crash victims and emergency responders.

“TIM programs save lives and money because they help speed clearance of the incident while protecting everyone’s safety as the top priority,” said Col. John Born, Patrol superintendent.

Consistent with the National Incident Command System model for response to critical incidents, more than 250 Ohio first responders and public safety partners have received the training so far. These trainers will be asked to conduct training sessions locally with an ultimate goal of ensuring that all Ohio first responders are trained.

“First responders in both the public and private sectors play a vital role in protecting motorists during traffic incidents,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “The new TIM training ultimately improves the safety of responders, as well as the safe movement of people and goods throughout Ohio.”

To assist first responders, the Patrol and ODOT urge drivers to:

• Move your car to a safe place — out of the travel lanes — if you are involved in an incident and there are no injuries.

• When you see flashing lights ahead of you, move over and slow down; it’s the law.

• Avoid following too closely — doing so decreases your ability to see the big picture and can result in your inability to recognize slowing or stopped traffic.

For more information on the QuickClear program, visit www.QuickClear.ohio.gov.